Free Things To Do

Holidays don’t have to cost a small fortune, and a holiday at home in the UK is a great way of making the pounds go further. The English Riviera has loads of fun activities and attractions, and the good news is that many of them are absolutely free!

The English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, has safe and sandy beaches to while away the afternoon for free, whether you want to go sunbathing, swimming, crabbing or rock pooling.

Or, if you’ve had too much sun, take a walk up to Torquay’s newly remodelled Royal Terrace Gardens and find your own little spot to relax and enjoy the amazing sea views.

Making your money go further

Berry Head National Nature Reserve is another great place for fine coastal views, as well as getting up close with nature and history. Napoleonic forts, rugged countryside, diverse wildlife and bracing sea air combine to make an unforgettable and free day out. In nearby Paignton you’ll find The Seashore Centre, a great free family attraction where you’ll discover a variety of marine life.

If you’ve still got plenty of leather left on your shoes, stretch your legs and your budget a little further by following some of the picturesque walks through the English Riviera Geopark and along the South West Coast Path, or stroll through the charming thatched village of Cockington and take in the arts and crafts studios at Cockington Court.

Finally, a trip to nearby Occombe Farm is free, fun and educational too. Find out more about the daily working of an organic farm, see pigs, cows and sheep, and take a stroll along the 2km nature trail.

Location

Type

Beach

Location

Paignton

A short walk from Paignton is Preston Sands, a great family beach. On this safe, clean beach you can sunbathe, swim or make castles in the sand, or why not grab a fishing net and explore the rock pools at low tide?

Location

Type

Beach

Location

Paignton

Hollicombe Beach, sits between Torquay and Paignton. With its distinctive red sand backed by tall cliffs it’s a sunbather’s paradise, and there’s a slipway to the beach giving easy access for people of all abilities.

Type

Garden

Location

Torquay

A wander along Torquay's seafront will take you alongside Torquay Marina and through the pretty waterside Princess Gardens, a promenade lined with palm trees, well-manicured flowerbeds and an ornate water fountain.

Type

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Location

Brixham

Berry Head National Nature Reserve guards the southern half of Tor Bay. One of the gateways to the English Riviera Global Geopark, it is an internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating variety of wildlife and history.